E.Howard Series III Info Needed

[clocks4u]

I'm mostly into clocks, but I do buy watches from time to time. I've just picked up what I believe to be an E. Howard series III.

Here is a few details of the watch. The movement is marked E. Howard & Co., Boston. Serial #10512. There looks to be a patent date on what I think is the great wheel. I can only make out the date of Nov. 24, 1857. I have not wound it, but it seems to be in good shape. The signed dial is in very good condition, but is missing the seconds bit and the minute hand is bent some. The crystal has a crack near the edge too. It is housed in what I think is a silver case, marked Floberg & Conrad, Sacramento.

The only info I found is in the Shugart book which is limited. I would like to find out the year of make and the jewel count? Also, how hard is it to find a replacement seconds hand and crystal? Is there a chance that this is the original case? I was under the impression that all E. Howards are in E. Howard cases. Is this correct.

Here are some links to pictures of this watch.

movement (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward3.jpg),

dial (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward1.jpg),

case1 (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward2.jpg),

case2 (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward4.jpg),

case3 (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward5.jpg)

Any information would be appreciated.

Chris

[This message has been edited by clocks4u (edited 04-03-2002).]

[This message has been edited by clocks4u (edited 04-03-2002).]

[clocks4u]

I'm mostly into clocks, but I do buy watches from time to time. I've just picked up what I believe to be an E. Howard series III.

Here is a few details of the watch. The movement is marked E. Howard & Co., Boston. Serial #10512. There looks to be a patent date on what I think is the great wheel. I can only make out the date of Nov. 24, 1857. I have not wound it, but it seems to be in good shape. The signed dial is in very good condition, but is missing the seconds bit and the minute hand is bent some. The crystal has a crack near the edge too. It is housed in what I think is a silver case, marked Floberg & Conrad, Sacramento.

The only info I found is in the Shugart book which is limited. I would like to find out the year of make and the jewel count? Also, how hard is it to find a replacement seconds hand and crystal? Is there a chance that this is the original case? I was under the impression that all E. Howards are in E. Howard cases. Is this correct.

Here are some links to pictures of this watch.

movement (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward3.jpg),

dial (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward1.jpg),

case1 (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward2.jpg),

case2 (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward4.jpg),

case3 (http://home.attbi.com/~clockhawk/ehoward5.jpg)

Any information would be appreciated.

Chris

[This message has been edited by clocks4u (edited 04-03-2002).]

[This message has been edited by clocks4u (edited 04-03-2002).]

[Harold Visser]

Hello Cris, Here is what I can tell you about the old Howard. Jewel count is 15, watch dates to about the mid 1860s, original case?, yes I do believe it is, case does not have to be marked E.H.&Co. to be proper. Take a spring drive up to Seattle and visit Kirk Crystals. 4th.&Pike? not positive on that address. They are very reasonable on crystal replacement. Looks like minute hand can be straightened and a second hand should not be that tough find, doesn't necessarily have to be a from a Howard. Remember old Howards wind counterclockwise. You have got a nice old Howard!
Harold

[clocks4u]

Thank you Harold for the information.

Has anyone ever heard of the case maker, Floberg & Conrad, of Sacramento? Also, what does the patent of 1857 refer to?

Thanks again.
Chris

[Harold Visser]

Hello again, No I have not heard of that case maker before, but then again, I certainly haven't seen them all. The 1857 patent actually refers to the innovative divided plate design and mainspring barrel assembly by George P. Reed, a very talented watchmaker, patented April 14, 1857 and re-issued Nov. 24, 1857.
Harold

[Jon Hanson]

Yes, I have several cases by this maker.

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Jon Hanson, nawcc#8801
President and moderator chapter 149